With great sadness, the Al Maktoum family confirms the passing of Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum on January 4th, 2006. He was 62 years of age. Sheikh Maktoum was the ruler of Dubai from 1990 until his death, and was Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates. During his rule, Sheikh Maktoum undertook a number of progressive initiatives aimed at modernizing the city of Dubai and advancing its infrastructure. He implemented significant economic reforms that transformed Dubai into a major international financial center and a major transportation hub in the Middle East. Sheikh Maktoum also made many infrastructural improvements to Dubai, expanding and improving the city's transportation, tourism, and residential areas. Sheikh Maktoum was best known for his philanthropic work in the areas of education, healthcare, and housing. He was also a well-respected leader in the Arab world and a symbol of Arab unity and pride. Sheikh Maktoum was a true icon and will be remembered and celebrated for his generosity and commitment to the people of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. He will be sorely missed.